The wonderful thing about San Diego vacations is that you don’t have to have the same one twice. One time it can be sports–as a participant or a spectator. The next time, it can be art–museums, galleries, theatre, dance, music. Then make your own fun in an exciting nightspot in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or shopping on La Jolla’s trend–setting Prospect Street. And don’t forget the family activities!

San Diego – California’s second-largest city and America’s seventh – is well-known for its beaches, waterfront and dependable year–round sunshine, not to mention the World–Famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld and other attractions such as LEGOLAND California. But the county encompasses much, much more in its 4,200 sq. miles, with a regional population exceeding 2.5 million.

In the eastern part of the county, the terrain varies from foothills to mountains and back to living desert, offering endless opportunities to hike, camp, fish and observe wildlife. To the north grows a profusion of flowers as well as quality grapes that become excellent wines, served at some of the most elegant resorts in California, some of which are nearby. The 70 miles of coastline along the western border support not only recreation, such as surfing and swimming, but also important scientific research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and critical habitat for a number of creatures, including California gray whales and hundreds of species of migrating birds. To the south, it’s a whole different country–Mexico–with its own cultural offerings.

In San Diego, there’s so much to see and do, you’ll have to visit more than once to fit it all in.